The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities and educational institutes that focus on offering cutting-edge courses to lead you to fulfilling careers. Whether medicine, artificial intelligence, economics, or engineering, each field offers diverse opportunities. Students in these courses gain relevant knowledge and practical skills to tackle real-world challenges.
Beyond passion and interest, these educational paths allow you to enjoy promising starting salaries, ensuring a solid foundation for monetary stability. UK institutes’ industry-aligned curricula and innovative teaching methods ensure that graduates step into the professional arena well-prepared.
If you want to study in the UK, begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Best UK Starting Salaries for Graduates
Below is the list of the top 10 subjects you can study in the UK that offer the highest starting salaries (HESA 2019/20, July 2022).
1. Dentistry
Pursuing a dentistry course in the UK offers extensive oral health and dental sciences education. Students get acquainted with topics like anatomy, diagnostics, and dental procedures, gaining practical experience through clinical placements.
Dentistry is one of the most competitive courses in the UK for which to apply. Successful applicants will require strong academic grades, the commitment to complete a long degree and the practical and mental skills needed to concentrate over long periods.
- Average starting salary: £39,500
- Best university for dentistry: University of Plymouth
2. Medicine
In the UK, medicine courses provide an intensive medical sciences and clinical practice curriculum. Students gain expertise in diagnosing and treating illnesses, backed by hands-on experience during placements. Subjects covered during the programme align with modern healthcare demands.
Graduates with medical degrees often enjoy a promising start to their careers. The UK's medical profession offers competitive salaries, making it an appealing choice for those seeking both a fulfilling vocation and financial stability.
- Average starting salary: £33,000
- Best university for medicine: University of Aberdeen
3. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence courses at UK universities help you understand cutting-edge technologies, machine learning, and data science. Students explore applications like robotics and natural language processing, gaining practical skills. The curriculum aligns with industry trends, encouraging research and innovation.
Graduates enter a thriving job market with lucrative starting salaries as the demand for AI professionals grows. Pursuing an AI course in the UK offers a robust education and opens doors to rewarding career prospects and financial stability.
- Average starting salary: £32,000
- Best university for artificial intelligence: University of Edinburgh
4. Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Pharmacy courses generally last four years, and modules cover pharmacology, biology and physiology, pharmaceutics, and chemistry. Students will also benefit from work placements within the industry to provide valuable insights and professional experience.
With a shortage of qualified professionals in the UK and worldwide, pursuing these courses often leads to various career opportunities and competitive starting salaries, making them an excellent choice for those seeking financial stability in healthcare.
- Average starting salary: £32,000
- Best university for pharmacy and pharmacology: University of Lincoln
5. Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine courses in the UK offer an in-depth education on animal health and welfare. A typical undergraduate degree lasts five years, and modules generally cover anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry, microbiology, public health, parasitology and pathology.
The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse roles in veterinary practice. The demand for skilled professionals in this field contributes to great starting salaries, making these courses attractive for those passionate about animal care and seeking financial stability in a rewarding career within the veterinary sector.
- Average starting salary: £31,000
- Best university for veterinary medicine: University of Cambridge
6. Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that applies physical science (chemistry and physics) to life sciences (biology, microbiology, and biochemistry). Students studying chemical engineering in the UK have access to state-of-the-art facilities and purpose-built laboratories, offering the best learning environment.
- Average starting salary: £30,000
- Best university for chemical engineering: University of Cambridge
7. Economics
While studying Economics, students will develop their problem-solving, data analysis, computing and written and oral presentation skills. Since these skills are highly regarded and sought after in today’s economic climate, students are prepared for finance, consulting, and policymaking roles.
With a globalised economy, pursuing economics courses leads to lucrative salaries, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals. Choosing economics in the UK offers a robust education and opens doors to financially rewarding career prospects.
- Average starting salary: £30,000
- Best university for economics: University of Oxford
8. Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Electrical engineering is at the heart of everything we do, and students studying an electrical engineering degree in the UK find innovative and progressive solutions to today’s global challenges. They delve into circuits, systems, and digital electronics, gaining hands-on experience.
UK universities' curricula are updated and aligned with industry advancements, preparing graduates for roles in diverse sectors. The demand for skilled engineers in the field is continuously rising, contributing to good salaries at the beginning of a professional career.
- Average starting salary: £30,000
- Best university for electrical & electronic engineering: Cardiff University
9. General Engineering
General engineering courses offer a broad foundation covering various engineering disciplines, from mechanical to civil engineering. Students acquire versatile skills, including problem-solving and project management. UK universities’ engineering courses are designed by industry professionals, making graduates market-ready.
Engineering courses are quite popular among international students in the UK, thanks to the world’s top employers seeking skilled and professional employees. Pursuing general engineering in the UK opens many opportunities in the field, along with financial stability.
- Average starting salary: £30,000
- Best university for general engineering: University of Cambridge
10. Robotics
UK robotics courses immerse students in advanced automation, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics. The curriculum emphasises hands-on experience in designing and implementing robotic systems, and the courses are crafted to meet modern industry needs and technological trends.
The combination of innovation and industry relevance not only equips students for exciting roles but also translates into competitive starting salaries, making robotics courses in the UK an attractive choice for a rewarding and financially promising career.
- Average starting salary: £30,000
- Best university for robotics: University of Bath
Study in the UK
Are you interested in studying at a UK university? If so, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
FAQ
Which degree pays the highest salary in the UK?
The degrees that typically lead to the highest salaries in the UK include programmes in medicine, law, and engineering because they often command higher earnings. Surgeons, for example, tend to have some of the highest salaries among all professions.
Which degrees are most in demand in the UK?
Due to the evolving job market, degrees in computer science, engineering, healthcare, and business are often considered high-demand fields.
What is the number one highest-paying degree?
The highest-paying degree can differ based on location and industry. However, petroleum engineering, dentistry, and economics degrees are often associated with higher salaries.
Which university has the highest-paid graduates in the UK?
Universities such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics were often associated with higher graduate salaries.
Which degrees are most competitive in the UK?
Factors such as industry demand, the reputation of the university, and the specific field of study all play a role in the competitiveness of degrees. Generally, degrees in medicine, law, and some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) tend to be more competitive due to limited spaces and high demand.
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